Google to Power Data Centers with Nuclear Energy Through Historic SMR Agreement

To accelerate the clean energy transition across the U.S., Google has signed the world’s first corporate agreement to purchase nuclear energy from multiple small modular reactors (SMRs) to be developed by Kairos Power. The initial phase aims to bring Kairos Power’s first SMR online by 2030, followed by additional reactor deployments through 2035. This deal is expected to enable up to 500 megawatts (MW) of new 24/7 carbon-free power to U.S. electricity grids, helping more communities benefit from clean and affordable nuclear energy.

The grid requires new electricity sources to support artificial intelligence technologies that are driving scientific advances, improving services, and fostering economic growth. Nuclear energy offers a continuous, carbon-free power source that can meet electricity demands around the clock, making it an ideal solution to complement intermittent renewables like solar and wind.

This agreement is part of Google’s broader efforts to develop and commercialize advanced clean electricity technologies to power its global data centers and offices. By diversifying its energy portfolio with nuclear power, Google aims to reach its ambitious 24/7 carbon-free energy and net-zero goals.

The next generation of advanced nuclear reactors, like those developed by Kairos Power, features simplified designs and robust safety mechanisms, which offer new pathways for accelerating nuclear deployment. The smaller size and modular design of SMRs can reduce construction timelines, allow for deployment in more locations, and make project delivery more predictable.

Investing in advanced nuclear technology can also provide direct economic benefits to communities across the U.S. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, nuclear power has the highest economic impact of any power generation source and creates high-paying, long-term jobs. The DOE estimates that reaching 200 gigawatts (GW) of advanced nuclear capacity in the U.S. by 2050 will require an additional 375,000 workers.

Kairos Power’s technology uses a molten-salt cooling system combined with a ceramic, pebble-type fuel to efficiently transport heat to a steam turbine for power generation. This passively safe system allows the reactor to operate at low pressure, enabling a simpler and more affordable nuclear reactor design.

Kairos Power will complete multiple hardware demonstrations ahead of its first commercial plant, using an iterative development approach to improve efficiency and accelerate reactor deployment. This summer, the company broke ground on its Hermes non-powered demonstration reactor in Tennessee, the first U.S. advanced reactor project to receive a construction permit from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

By procuring electricity from multiple reactors, Google aims to help accelerate the repeated reactor deployments needed to lower costs and bring Kairos Power’s technology to market more quickly. This strategy aligns with Google’s broader efforts to scale advanced technologies and make clean, affordable energy accessible to more communities.

Google plans to continue expanding its portfolio of advanced clean electricity technologies and bringing new 24/7 clean energy onto every grid where it operates, further supporting its clean energy and sustainability goals.